ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is hoping to construct a new $45 million facility for the Orlando Gifted Academy campus.

What You Need To Know

  • Orange County Public Schools is hoping to construct a new $45 million facility for the Orlando Gifted Academy campus

  • Officials say the project will be about 100,000 square feet and will house up to 700 students

  •  Residents nearby say traffic is already an existing problem in the area

The project plans show an outdoor learning area, state-of-the-art technology, and will house about 700 students in second through eighth grades. In addition to skills labs, the plans also entail support for career and technical education.

However, neighbors nearby the school say they’re apprehensive about the possibility of what could mean more students enrolled at the school.

“It can be really, really busy. And not everyone drives like their kids live here, unfortunately,” said Melanie Osborn, who lives across the street from Orlando Gifted Academy.

Several neighbors said traffic can sometimes line up all around the neighborhood during peak drop-off and pick-up times.

“(My boyfriend) literally can not get home because cars are blocking the driveway,” Osborn said.

Osborn also said the issue is exasperated by the fact that students don’t take the bus to get to school.

“Obviously, I want to see these students get a great education," she said. "But at the same time, I wish there could be something we could get some sort of public transportation."

Preliminary plans indicate the new addition will entail parking areas as well as a parent loop.